On being a self-learner...

It has been hard to find time and incentive to post lately.

I have been busy painting [since I have a group show and a solo show coming up] while mulling over a statement which caused me some anxiety about how I talk about what I do and subsequently even the 'doing' of what I do.

The anxiety stemmed from a day workshop where various types and mediums of artwork was being evaluated and 'my' pieces did not fair all that well. And yes, there is the feeling that landscapes - my way - are not edgy enough or creatively experimental enough to be considered valuable art.  But I think mostly it might be because of a statement made about the importance of being 'educated' in art and the resulting assumption that, because one does not have a degree in art one does not have the language to communicate with regards to art, and by inference what they do is not really art.

Hmm...  it has taken me a bit of time to hunker down again and just get on with painting, doing it my way, being inspired by others, being guided by the writings of others, and knowing that many who inspire me are self learners...  A self-learner is not the same as "self-taught" [without other's input] but they can co-exist in the same person.  A self-learner takes what they learn through reading, workshops, experimentation, etc, [just not the university classroom!] and applies it to their work - and never mind knowing all the correct jargon!! I absolutely believe that I do not need to know the 'language of colour theory' in order to speak about art which inspires me through colour. But I will likely learn the language as I progress in doing my art.

After home schooling 4 sons who are creative, well educated, but clearly self-learners I understand the importance of learning - what sets a self learner apart mostly is that they choose to focus their learning on what is most essential to what they are doing at the moment.  From there they branch out according to interest and need.

With 10 years of post secondary education and 3 degrees I just refuse to succumb to the 'need/necessity' of another degree, [in fine art] in order to speak more intelligently about the art world, and by inference be worthy of being an artist.  I can read if I want to know more about the history of art, etc. and I will continue to do what I can to further my creativity - and my knowledge! But I will not be badgered into taking another degree in order to be more acceptable in the art world.

So - that is a bit of a rant which I just wanted to let go of!

A few small paintings for our upcoming group show.... 10x10" acrylics.

And this is "Ashley" - my newest daughter-in-law made a quilt for her 'maid of honour' and took a photo of Ashley with it wrapped around her.  I loved the photo so painted this watercolour as a gift for my daughter-in-law.

another year gone by...

It has been a quiet and pleasant last week of 2016.  Lots has happened this year - there have been both joys and sorrows. Happy family times including a wedding, times to grieve and to remember as we mourn the loss of several family members.  Coffees with friends..... Happy, healthy, growing  grandchildren.  Life seems to move along in a good way and I am thankful.  Many an early morning I will pause, look out the kitchen window, and simply thank God for the blessings and all the good we have.  I am thankful for all that has transpired and for those who have crossed my path with peace and presence.

To finish off the painting year I have been busy as I am working towards two shows in the spring - the usual group show with the Big Sky Artists, and a solo show at the gallery.  Challenging! - but it has been good to push myself physically and creatively.

So here are a few final paintings for the year:

A few small 10x10" paintings done but about five more to do for the group show.  The first is of the North Saskatchewan River valley near Petrofka Bridge.  The second a view I passed many times on my travels north to visit my mom.

 

This is from the same view as the last small one but much larger and the view is expanded

24x40" A Pleasant Summer Day [really, not sure what to call it!!]

Waskesui River  30x40"

We spent a few days at Elkridge Lodge in November and while there, wandered around Waskesui and area.  This painting is of the Waskesui River.  A set of shallow rapids move towards the distance which were rather difficult to navigate with my paintbrush!!  It was a beautiful cool fall day but the sun was shining and it gave the trees an incredible glow.  The sunlight seems so much brighter in the spring and fall than in the summer.

I have spent a lot of time painting with acrylics.  But I still use my watercolours.  Much easier to transport so watercolours are my go to choice for our weekly painting group sessions.

Spring Blossoms 11x20"

Peony Closeup

Seasonal Sale

Seasonal Sale - November 18, 19, 2016 - 7 Leyden Cres.

Once again it is time to gather my paintings together and offer them for sale.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift or a painting to fill an empty spot 

on your own wall, please drop by.  

If you would like to come by for coffee and a chat please do. 

There will also be information available on the following:

Gunner & Smith 

Remnant Steel 

Mattbradenphoto 

Fractured.2

Finally finished a few paintings! Somehow they take longer to complete than I want them to. There is still the framing of the watercolour and the edges, varnish and hanging wire for the acrylic one to complete. A few more jobs for a quiet, productive day!

"Fractured Mirror Selfie"  watercolour 14" x 14"

"Misty Morning on the North Saskatchewan" acrylic 24" x 24"

Fractured...

It was a privilege to be part of this art fair.  There was such a variety of techniques and subjects it was inspiring to see.  Saskatchewan has many wonderful artists - and this show only showcased a few!





I had three paintings in the show and worked hard most of the summer getting these ready.

After a month off due to surgery, company, and a wedding it is now time to get on with painting again!!

This will be a very different
watercolour. I am looking forward
to completing it.

Can you guess what the subject is??

River View

"River View"

This is a view of the North Saskatchewan River near the Petrofka Bridge, north of Saskatoon.  Whenever one can stand high on the hills above a river valley they have found a special place.  The air is fresh, the view is wonderful, and the sky infinitely expansive.

I was pleased to have the gallery call to say they had sold this painting! It will be in a business reception area so I hope many will be inspired by our Saskatchewan River landscapes.

20 x 60"  acrylic

Those who go quietly about the yard....

This young hare seems to visit our yard every few days.  It was by the front garden when I arrived home one day this week and didn't seem in a hurry to leave so I was able to get a few quick photos on my iPhone.

 This is one of two little houses I have seen in yards in Caswell Hill. I think it is so creative and whimsical.  Love it!  

It reminded me of a small oil painting by Lloyd Barnes which we purchased this summer in an art gallery in Abbotsford.  One could look at the exquisite detail in this painting for ages!!

"Bob and Lloyd Barnes are identical twin brothers who have lived a reclusive lifestyle in the 100 Mile House area in the British Columbia interior since the early 1950's. Both brothers are self-taught artists who paint nature as they experience it as well as images from their imaginations. Bob and Lloyd Barnes share a love of the outdoors, living off the land by growing their own vegetables. Their love of nature is expressed by their care and feeding of birds found in the wild.

The Barnes brothers paint for the sheer love of painting and the pleasure it brings to others. Their work has a sense of being photorealistic with fine detail and an underlying truth of naivety."